We are alarmed by Europol arrogating to itself the right to develop surveillance tools, which are likely to dramatically transform the landscape of policing across the EU, in almost complete secrecy. Yet, despite this opacity, political support for Europol is growing in Brussels and EU capitals.

In a climate of disinformation, authoritarian resurgence, and geopolitical uncertainty, Europe needs journalists who spotlight the good news but can also track the money, trace the lobbying, confront the evasions, and conduct cross-border investigations that go beyond national silos, writes Shada Islam.

Authoritarian leaders don’t appreciate a free and independent media investigating their affairs. But, previously, that has only been a problem outside the EU’s borders. Hungary’s government now smears and attacks its own journalists, starves their newspapers and TV stations of income, whilst happy to bask in the power and resources of being a member of the 27-strong bloc. For how much longer can Hungary’s journalists fight back?

Legal scholars have dubbed it a "sleeping beauty" — a potent yet practically unused EU Parliament instrument akin to the EU's own Article 7, designed to safeguard the rule of law and the integrity of its institutions.

Today, we kick off an anniversary campaign to convince new supporting members to join EUobserver's mission of providing the information citizens need to safeguard EU democracy.

Russian spies are still active in the EU capital and have a "higher risk appetite" than before the Ukraine war — despite Belgium's efforts to push back against their plots.